GonzoFest 2014 announces parade, site of Steadman documentary national premiere

Since Insider Louisville first broke the news of the Hunter S. Thompson mural, we’ve kept Louisville up to date on the latest news coming from the GonzoFest team, which includes Ron Whitehead (friend to Thompson), and Dennie Humphrey, owner of The Monkey Wrench and co-founder of GonzoFest. Late Friday, several announcements were made that include a parade and crowd funding.

GonzoFest organizers have launched an Indigogo campaign allowing the community to help fund a downtown parade, arrange travel for special guests (including Hunter’s widow Anita Thompson, and, perhaps, even The Great Red Shark), events, concerts, and more that will make up the March 31 through April 4 celebration.

On Friday, the above video was released — The State of the Gonzo Address — featuring a poem by Ron Whitehead and highlights from Hunter’s 1996 tribute in Louisville.

The Ali Center will host the April 4 screening and national premiere of the Ralph Steadman documentary “For No Good Reason” (featuring Johnny Depp). The Ali Center will also host a five-hour concert filled with many special guests.

Also announced is a GonzoFest Parade featuring many of the guests in town for the event and a special performance by The Squallis Puppeteers.

The building that will feature the Hunter Thompson portrait drawn by Ralph Steadman will, according to Ron Whitehead, be announced Monday.

For younger public participation, GonzoFest 2014 is hosting an art and literary contest specifically aimed at high school and college artists and writers. Art pieces will be displayed at various events throughout the six days of the festival. To enter the GonzoFest 2014 art and literary contest, email [email protected] All literary contest submissions are due by Thursday, March 20. The deadline to submit artwork is Tuesday, March 25.

Every night of the festival features musical, literary, and arts happenings throughout the city. Sponsors already on board include Carmichael’s Bookstore, The Green Building, Haymarket Whiskey Bar, The New Vintage Showcase, OPEN Gallery, St. Charles Exchange, The Monkey Wrench (official GonzoFest after-party headquarters), and unofficially almost every single bar in Louisville.

Individual and business sponsorship opportunities for GonzoFest 2014 are available. Interested parties should email [email protected] for more information.